Applications are invited for the College of Education Children's Writer in Residence for 2027

By Humanities Divisional Office | Posted: Thursday Sep 17, 2026

Applications close Sunday 18 October 2026.

Applications are invited for the 2027 residency from children’s writers who usually reside in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Begun by the Dunedin College of Education in 1992, the College of Education Children’s Writer in Residence, has allowed children’s writers to write full time in a compatible environment among colleagues who are involved with the teaching of reading and literature to children. The financial support and imaginative space the residency afford has enabled writers to create a huge variety and number of books for New Zealand’s young readers.

With support from Creative New Zealand to fund the writer’s remuneration, the residency is offered in partnership with the Robert Lord Writers Cottage Trust, which provides rent-free accommodation to writers in the historic Titan Street cottage bequeathed by the late playwright Robert Lord.

What the Residency offers

• A 14-week full-time position (February 2027).
• A stipend equivalent to a University Lecturer’s salary (pro-rata), less the value of accommodation provided at the Robert Lord Writers Cottage.
• Furnished accommodation, including wireless broadband internet access at the Robert Lord Writers Cottage. Excludes power costs.
• A dedicated writing office on campus within College of Education.
• Access to the University Library and wider University community.

Who can apply

Writers who are normally resident in New Zealand.

A degree or formal qualification is not required. But a serious commitment to the craft needs to be demonstrated through published work or its equivalent.

Early and mid career writers are encouraged to apply.

What to include

Applications must include:
• Covering letter including short biography.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Details of published work & any writing awards.
• A 500-word outline of work contemplated.
• Samples of work (500 words maximum). PDF or Word files are preferred.
• Two referee reports, from referees well placed to comment on your writing experience (view the template HERE).

How to apply

Applications quoting reference number 2601264 will close on Sunday, 18 October 2026.

Please find links below for Conditions of Award and further information about the Residency.

Job Description - College of Education Children's Writer in Residence for 2027 (2601264)